In the KNOW!

October 27 | 2025

Shawnee Forward Earns Statewide Recognition for Excellence

Shawnee Forward has earned Accreditation through the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives (OCCE), recognizing excellence in chamber operations, organizational leadership, and community impact. This achievement places Shawnee Forward among only 13 accredited chambers in Oklahoma.

The accreditation process evaluates organizations on strategic planning, governance, membership development, marketing, community partnerships, and program effectiveness. It represents the highest standard of performance for chambers across the state and affirms Shawnee Forward’s strong foundation of accountability, collaboration, and results-driven leadership.

Shawnee Forward also received the 2025 Communications Excellence Award / Best in Show for its 2025 Legislative Advocacy Guide in the Digital and Print Publication category. The guide was recognized for its design, clarity, and effectiveness in helping members understand and engage in legislative priorities that impact business and economic growth.

These recognitions reflect the dedication of Shawnee Forward’s staff, board, and volunteers who work every day to strengthen the business community and advance economic development across Pottawatomie County.

-Daniel

Director of Operations

QUICK CLICK QUESTION

What’s the biggest challenge your business is currently facing?

Hiring or retaining employees

Increasing sales or finding new customers

Marketing and visibility

Access to funding or capital

New Managing growth or operations

RIBBON CUTTINGS

STATE OF THE REGION RECAP

Building Momentum Across the Region

The 2025 State of the Region brought together leaders from the City of Shawnee, Pottawatomie County, and the Citizen Potawatomi Nation to share progress on major projects and partnerships shaping our future.

From infrastructure improvements and workforce initiatives to collaborative economic development efforts, each update underscored the shared commitment to moving our region forward together.

We’re grateful to our sponsors for helping make this important conversation possible: Sovereign Bank, SSM Health, BancFirst, Oklahoma Baptist University, and Vision Bank. Their investment in our community helps fuel the momentum we’re seeing across Pottawatomie County.

If you weren’t able to attend or want to revisit a particular discussion, you can watch the full replay below.

Watch the 2025 State of the Region

BUSINESS RESOURCES

What Is Two-Factor Authentication, and Why Does it Matter to Your Company's Security?

2FA adds a second verification check to stop account takeovers. See how to use two-factor authentication to protect company accounts.

Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on company email and software accounts protects your small business against data theft and account takeovers. 2FA verifies two distinct identity factors before letting employees log into online services. Business tools, including Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and QuickBooks Online, offer various two-factor verification methods, like authenticator apps and passkeys.

Below, we’ll examine what 2FA is, how it works, and why your small business should use it. Explore the most secure login methods and learn how to set up 2FA on major platforms.

Learn More Here

MEMBER EVENTS

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Want Your Event in Our Newsletter?

If you're a Shawnee Forward member and have an upcoming event you'd like to share, we’d love to help spread the word! Please email your flyer to Daniel or Crystal at least two weeks before the event, and we’ll include it in the two newsletters leading up to your big day. It’s a great way to get your event in front of the community. Don’t miss out on this member benefit!

Miss a Newsletter?

If you missed a recent newsletter, you can catch up anytime by viewing the archives on our website here.

A Rare Sponsorship Opportunity

For the first time in a long while, Shawnee Forward has an opening for the exclusive sponsorship of In the Know.

This weekly e-newsletter reaches more than 2,900 local professionals, business owners, and community leaders who are actively shaping the future of Shawnee and Pottawatomie County. It is one of our highest-engagement communications and a trusted source for regional updates.

As the newsletter sponsor, your business will receive:

• Banner ad included in every issue

• Hyperlinked logo on our archived newsletter webpage

• One featured article per quarter to highlight your business

• First right of refusal to renew the sponsorship annually

If your organization wants consistent visibility with key decision makers, this is a smart place to be. It may be a while before this opportunity opens again.

Reach out to me directly if you’d like to claim it.

daniel@shawneeforward.com | 405-273-6092

Shawnee Forward | 405-273-6092